Runners Navigation Course

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Dartmoor with a unique map reading and navigation workshop designed to enhance your route-finding skills. This full-day session, led by an experienced Mountain Leader who has been running on these fells for three decades, offers hands-on training tailored for runners looking to explore beyond marked paths.
The day begins at the Fox Tor Cafe in Princetown with a casual meet-up and coffee or tea (not included) before heading out onto Dartmoor's moors. You'll learn essential skills such as map orientation, aiming off, thumbing the map, using back stops, and compass navigation through practical exercises on rough terrain.
The morning session focuses on basic techniques without relying on a compass to help you understand how features appear on your map in relation to the ground. After a 30-minute lunch break at Princetown, you'll delve into more advanced skills with the aid of a compass before heading back out onto the moor for real-world application.
Participants will be provided with maps and compasses if they don't have their own, along with pre-workshop materials to familiarize themselves with basic map reading. The day concludes at 16:00 in Princetown with a debriefing session where any questions can be addressed.
Dress appropriately for the weather—full trail or fell running attire is recommended—and bring your packed lunch and water. This event caters to all abilities, focusing on learning over racing, making it perfect for anyone eager to explore Dartmoor's wild landscapes confidently and safely.
See you on the hill!